The body of a newborn was found in an AirAsia flight from Imphal to Delhi on Wednesday. It appeared as though the baby had been delivered in the toilet on board the flight.

File image of an AirAsia aircraft. Reuters

The newborn was found with toilet paper stuffed in its mouth, according to News18. Police sources said the mother appears to be an underage girl from Imphal in Manipur.

In a statement, AirAsia said the police had detained a suspect for further investigation. She was identified after all female passengers on board were questioned.

"A newborn was found lifeless and abandoned in one of the lavatories when the aircraft was being prepared for landing. The Delhi Police was alerted and a doctor from the medical team at the Delhi International Airport confirmed that the baby had been delivered on board," the airline said, adding that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had been informed about the incident.

"We will be assisting in the investigation and cooperating with all concerned agencies. AirAsia India would like to apologise to all guests experiencing disruptions in their flight schedule," the airline added.

The police suspect that the infant was stillbornm according to India Today.

With inputs from PTI

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